Did I Say?

That Long Beach State would upset Tennessee? Yikes... Hope your brackets are healthier than mine right now.

So while I am at at.. upset over the weekend will be VCU fresh off their win over Duke against Pitt. And yes I am a Pitt fan, so me picking VCU may be the best thing that has ever happened to the Panthers!

Have a good weekend!

Green Building comes to Sports Illustrated

The whole "build green" thing hit even bigger last week as Sports Illustrated had a big center of the magazine feature on Global Warming and its effect on sports. Also inside were details on a possible design of a totally “green” stadium or arena, as designed by national architectural firm SmithGroup. LEED and USGBC also got mentions. Why is this big? Because people who associated global warming with just Al Gore now are getting even more detail in a mainstream sports magazine… probably the LAST place they would expect to see it. And as for green building, getting publicity in a magazine like SI is off the charts. I would guess that more developers will be reached because they read SI then if they read an industry magazine. And those same developers who probably skip over the “green” stories in the Journal or Newsweek, probably will be apt to read this one. There’s no question that “green” is the hottest thing around right now…

Elsewhere this week…

* No mention of NFRC in this post. I am planning on a separate post to explain some of what’s going on and to break down the issues. Plus my readership has been at an all time high over the last several weeks and while I know some check this blog for info on NFRC, I know of others that will delete me from their favorites if I don’t at least mellow some….

* I saw that Fred Wallin is retiring from AFG. Good luck and health Fred, hope the road ahead is smooth sailing for you. In the meantime, Fred will be replaced by Serge Martin, who comes across to the US from Belgium. Boy AFG is surely being more global that’s for sure. I wonder if Serge’s first duty will be carrying out the change of names from AFG to AGC NA? Remember that’s gonna be their new moniker… In anycase as long as Serge knows that no one needs marketing, he’ll be OK…

* Great news on two fronts this week as the Pittsburgh Penguins struck a deal to stay in Pittsburgh. Being a lifetime Pens fan, I am thrilled. Plus the other part is it leaves the Communist Chinese glass and aluminum supplied Arena in KC empty still. Wouldn’t that be justice if no one ever moved there? You know the karma of blowing off United States suppliers for 300K on an 11 million dollar project may be enough to make the folks in that city miserable. We/I can only hope. But I know in reality with KC offering free rent and other concessions its just a matter of time before someone moves there- which makes sense… and it applies to us to as with the Chinese offering glass and aluminum for basically nothing its just a matter of time before more and more people use them.

* I got several e-mails on my China take during the BEC wrap up and I will be doing more on that too. Again same applies on China as it does NFRC, I gotta keep mixing it up.

* Got an e-mail asking me what was the most bizarre architectural rejection I have ever had. The person who wrote me (who asked to remain anonymous) told me that last week an Architect rejected his sample because the label spelled “Pilkington” wrong. He was told if his company can’t spell on a label, then they probably don’t pay attention to details elsewhere. Wow. Not sure I can top that, but maybe you can- feel free to send me (e-mail: maxbcat@aol.com) , and I won’t print your name, your most bizarre reject ever. Or you can post them anonymously in the comment section too. (but knowing how cyber shy this industry is, I am not expecting that)

* Lastly its MARCH MADNESS… so that said- some predictions… my first round upset lock is Long Beach State to beat Tennessee. Sorry Rocky Top fans. I like a final four of North Carolina, Texas A&M, UCLA, and Florida. And after much debate, and because my articles in USGlass are edited by a certain Tar Heel fan…. I must take North Carolina to win it…. Otherwise my column in USGlass may be as brutal to read as this blog!

This weeks video in honor of March Madness comes from the University of Louisville… and yes they could be a darkhorse in this tourney as they play in “Lex Vegas” for their first 2 games. Anyway, a gruesome fall by one of their players, but he was amazingly OK…

My BEC Buzz

USGNN did a nice piece on the buzz at BEC, but I figure why not add my two cents as well. All in all it really was a tremendous event. The staff at GANA, Ashley Charest, Brian Pittman, Carol Land, Sara Niswonger, Greg Carney and Stan Smith deserve major props for a job well done.
With 520+ people there, it can be adventure trying to keep people happy but at the end of the day I think more than the majority left pleased with their time in Vegas. Now some of the “Buzz” from my side of the world:

- China. The piece that I just ran the other day (if you missed it- go to the post direct under this one- it is a MUST read) about KC had several people buzzing and talking more and more about this very serious issue. Many people were furious over how that job went down and there’s no question that this is an issue that we just have to keep on. While you have some people openly embracing the communist supply of material, I think many others are starting to see what will happen if you let the enemy in your house. I have a ton more on this coming soon thanks to many conversations I had here.

- The economy… most felt that 2007 is going to be good with the exception of those from Michigan where we know the economy is pretty dismal. It was very refreshing to talk to guys like Bill Keen of Tepco and just hear the focus and positive nature in their voice when it pertains to work in the future. Its talks like that with people like Bill, that keep you pumped up.

- NFRC- Greg Carney did a fantastic job on the NFRC issue but I think one thing needs stating. No one and I mean NO ONE in our industry is against the movement to improve energy efficiency. And no one is against the creation of a tool and simple certification that can provide total system calculations. What everyone is against the apparent profiteering by members of the NFRC. When you have all of these “checks and balances” that can only be done by people like Keystone Certifications and ATI, then the value to the public is minimized so that private concerns can make lots of money. Let’s get real, the bottom line is the money and always will be. When oversight and layers and policing are created by using the guise of “volunteerism and protecting the public” people are smart enough to see right through that. This issue will go on and on and on….

- Cardinal getting back into commercial elicited a few comments, but mostly by people who had bought from Cardinal the last time residential was soft and they decided to go into commercial. Remember as we always try and tell NFRC (and they ignore) Commercial is completely different than residential.

Residential- A house with several windows
Commercial- A high rise with THOUSANDS of windows- that all have to be the same color for one... among many other distinct requirements
BIG DIFFERENCE

- Rocky Bleier’s end of the session key note speech was simply amazing. When he started off I know some attendee’s were worried that his speech may not meet muster, well like the All Pro that he is, he delivered and simply blew the crowd away to end the meeting. The guy is a living, walking inspiration and his message about beating false perceptions with hard work really resonated.

- Garrison Wynn the first keynote was also tremendous and well received. Wynn mixed humor with message and was a great show starter- especially at 8AM on a Monday in Vegas. A tough spot and one he conquered.

- The presentations went well overall, while some opinions differed here and there, the overall flavor was positive. Bottom line is the BEC is the event and I think for most it lived up to its hype. If you missed it this year, you have 11 months to now plan on coming next year!

Now that BEC is over, that must mean baseball season is here eh? The video this week is another one of those “funniest home video” pieces with a baseball theme… and lots of poor parents getting abused by their kids…

This article should make you ill

A few comments from me below, but this is a very depressing article on so many levels.... and normally I would never put this much up here but cutting and pasting does not do this piece justice.
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THE SPRINT CENTER’S SKIN | Pane by pane, the downtown arena’s wall of glass comes together
A glittering curtain rises in KC

Next month, the final pane of glass will be put in place on the exterior of the Sprint Center downtown. Last week, Shane Tumlinson of Architectural Wall Systems attached one section of glass. For aesthetics, amber-colored panes are interspersed in the “curtain wall.”

Behold, direct from China, Kansas City’s Great Wall of Glass.

The shimmering surface of the Sprint Center is spreading fast, and views from the inside make the city look — believe it when you see it — happening.

“See that?” architect Craig Milde said, stepping from the main concourse into the arena’s bowl and pointing to a wide opening at the opposite end. There’s downtown, tapping on the glass. During a game, fans will see from their seats those shiny skyscrapers peeking in.

This view comes courtesy of workers in China’s Guangdong province, where the glass was poured and fitted.

Motorists today look at the arena and simply see glass going up. But there is a story behind it all.

It’s about the global economy. It’s about art. It’s about extreme precision, money, Customs agents, money, something called “frit” and its friend, money. It’s about erecting a durable and visually striking “curtain wall” without running out of … you know.

“We were able to provide Kansas City a spectacular facility and still make it cost effective,” boasted Gina Leo, a spokeswoman for HOK Sport, one of the local architectural firms that collaborated on the arena’s design.

The story begins a year ago on the floor of an old brick building at 18th and McGee streets.

Skin game

For many nights, Milde, 40, sat on the floor of the Downtown Arena Design Team’s office, giant sheets of paper and colored markers spread around him.

Ryan Gedney, a project designer then in his 20s, stared at an arena mock-up on a computer screen and rattled off: “One-third left. Two-thirds right. Clear. Two-thirds left …”

With each instruction, Milde worked his colored markers in an elaborate tic-tac-toe game on 2,204 tiny squares.

Each square represented a pane of glass. The pattern on paper ultimately stretched 30 feet, covering the floor like a multicolored bar code.

This pattern would appear on the arena’s “skin” — a wrap of flat glass panes bordered by aluminum strips.

From a distance, the panes on the $276 million arena appear identical — rectangular, roughly 12 feet by 5 feet … just slap them on. In fact, all but a few dozen are unique — each of them designed for a precise spot, and no other spot, on the building’s skin.

Each pane had to be numbered. To fit correctly on the oval exterior, many panes were slightly wider at the bottom than at the top, or vice versa. All told, the design team ordered 128 sizes.

“If you break one putting it up, you can’t just use the next pane in the stack,” a construction worker said last week.

Then there’s the frit factor.

“Frit” is fabricated into some panes to provide a dappled effect, a subtle shade from the sunbeams. Round bits of ceramic paint, the size of paper-punch holes, make up the frit. Bunched vertically, they form straight fields of gray covering one-third or two-thirds of an otherwise clear pane.

Most of the frit will be found on the sunny side.

To jazz things up aesthetically, 66 panes are amber-colored. (The designers originally pitched a shade of chartreuse, but Mayor Kay Barnes preferred amber.)

It’s curtains for sure

When bids for the glass were let, planners estimated the cost at $11.2 million. No bid came in at less than $11.5 million, so the package was rebid with suggestions to cut costs.

Enter Architectural Wall Systems Co. of Des Moines, Iowa. AWS erected the blue-green glass on The Kansas City Star’s Press Pavilion, across the freeway from the arena.

AWS does “curtain walls.”

Shiny and generally more affordable than solid load-bearing walls, curtain walls have been around for a century. (The first in Kansas City were in the Boley Building, built in 1909 at 11th and Walnut streets.)

The distinguishing feature of curtain walls, physics-wise, is that they don’t hold up a building.

A curtain-wall expert — Patrick Loughran of the Chicago architectural firm Goettsch Partners — said elephants could charge through the Sprint Center concourse and their weight would not be felt by the glass outside. The arena’s structure is independent of the curtain. Not even the roof will put weight on the glass.

“It’s by no means cutting edge,” Loughran said while looking at the arena design on a Sprint Center Web site. “The panes of a curtain wall are not exactly assembled like Legos, but it’s similar: You snap them in, slide them down.”

The challenge, Loughran said, is in mastering the elliptical shape of this wall and its pane-by-pane design.

AWS took the challenge and presented a project bid of an agreeable $10.2 million.

How? Think “Made in China.”

Just off the boat

Having spent those long nights on the office floor mapping the design of the curtain wall, Milde and Gedney faced the prospect of handing it all over to foreign-speaking workers half a world away.

“I was concerned … about things getting lost in translation,” Milde said.

But once planners whittled down the cost of their wall, AWS was the only bidder to step up. So Kansas City overlooked its “Buy American” policy, which states that city projects should use U.S. material whenever possible.

“I can see that building from my office on Locust,” lamented Jack Carter, the president of Carter Glass Company Inc. “All this globalization malarkey…

“The promise (of the global economy) was that high-tech jobs would be flowing into our country because we had the facilities. But now it’s all going to the cheap-labor countries.”

Carter conceded that to stay competitive, “we’re looking at China, as well. We don’t want to, but you can’t get beat by $2 million on every $10 million glass project.”

Chicago architect Loughran, who wrote a book on modern glass architecture, said: “China does have brand new facilities for fabricating glass, but is that a good thing? There’s a learning curve” in all manufacturing.

The intricacy of the Sprint Center design didn’t ease worries: Numbered panes, various sizes, specific frit patterns — all had to be translated to metric and precisely executed by Chinese manufacturers Sanxin Inc., in Shenzhen, and AMC Limited in Dongguan.

“We had two companies doing two different things — one to make the glass and one to assemble our frames” around the glass, said AWS President Mike Cunningham. Representatives of his company supervised the work in China.

An AWS project manager made sure all panes were stacked and shipped to Kansas City in the order they would be installed: pane 117-A atop 118-A, and so on.

The first batch arrived last summer at a port in Long Beach, Calif. Just one rack of a dozen panes approached 6 tons. Off the boat, the racks were loaded into boxcars and shipped to a rail yard in North Kansas City, where U.S. Customs officials inspected them.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture inspector showed up at the checkpoint and, with a flashlight, combed the shipment for foreign snails and insects that might harm American crops.

After crossing the Pacific, only a few panes arrived at the work site cracked— and those were damaged on a truck bouncing on Kansas City roads.

I seal your pane

“If all these panes were the same? Boring,” project architect Milde said, walking along a concourse where the curtain was nearly complete.

Climbing steps that offer a bird’s eye view of Interstate 635, he paused at Level 5 to watch up-close the wall being built.

It works this way: Seven steel, horizontal pipes encircle the arena like a hoop skirt. Along the pipes are window anchors — 4,498 in all — each with a couple sets of nuts and bolts. A crane lifts a 700-pound pane with hooks on top to its designated spot, this one being 215-E.

A guy named Brandon in a cherry picker dabs black stuff on the anchor bolts and snaps a photograph. The pane swings into place, to be hung from the top of the pipe, where an ironworker named Mike waits.

One side of the aluminum frame is “female,” the other “male.” The edges snap into the next pane, and that pane into the next.

Four bolts hold each pane in place. Mike twists the anchor nuts with a wrench that others might use to fix a lawn mower. Done.

Elapsed time from ground to pipe to installed: 20 minutes.

“Like hanging a curtain,” said AWS supervisor Rich Griglione.

And this “curtain” will withstand rain, hail and our wicked prairie gusts?

“No doubt,” Griglione said. The panes were built to take 139 mph winds, and AWS has done the testing — once using a roaring aircraft engine pointed directly at a mock-up.

As the curtain starts to close, some concerns linger: It is not bulletproof, and the replacement cost for one broken pane is about $5,000.

Milde also is bracing for the “golden spike” moment. With glass spreading in both directions from the northwest, the two fronts will meet on the arena’s south side — all panes aligned perfectly, he hopes.

“You can’t have something standing out like a glass zipper,” he said. “Not on this building.”

He will know next month, when the final pane is hung, if China got it just right.


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Unreal... there's so much to say but just a few quick thoughts because otherwise my head will explode...

This is another example that it is just a matter of time before the Chinese go direct and cut out even more of the food chain. They (the Chinese) have to salivating at the fact that a middle of the country city like Kansas City would just blow off their "Buy American" policy for this material. Yep, keep helping them get a foothold here and the results will not be kind- just go ask the the industries in the Carolina's that have been destroyed by these actions in the past.

Plus the glass was estimated to cost 11.2 million and the low bid came in at 11.5 million!! But of course the Chinese would come in a million cheaper than that... after all the goverment subsidizes them and so on... but if the numbers are right, Kansas City threw the United States down the river for 300 grand on an 11 million dollar job? Yes it's KC's money- and they can do what they want, like offering the arena rent free to the Pittsburgh Penguins if they move there permenantly. So its ironic, on one hand they gave up the "Buy American" policy so they can save 300K (and that was without allowing any value engineering by the way) and on the other they are so flush with cash they can "give" the arena away at no charge to attract a full time tenant.

Not to mention the lack of responsibility of Kansas City and the people involved, so let me ask you, if there's a problem with this material, who will you take to task? The Chinese? Yep I am sure they'll gladly step up to the plate, just try. The Architects? The Glazier? Everyone will point at each other and back at the Chinese. And they will laugh at you.

Yes the Global economy strikes again... and every day it gets scarier and scarier.

It's time for the BEC!

Just a few weeks after the NBA invaded Las Vegas, the best of the best in the Glass industry will hit the strip. Starting Sunday it’s the BEC- Building Envelope Conference and it is truly THE event in our industry. Why can I say that? Well simply the amount of people and where they are from makes the difference. In attendance you will have:
4 of the 5 Commercial Float folks, The top 3 national glass fabricators, The top 5 Aluminum manufacturers and fabricators and of course the main attraction- some of the best and brightest glazing contractors in North America. This is truly an amazing event that helps educate the industry, and keeps people networked throughout. If you are missing it this year, too bad- just make sure you make it next year when BEC gets combined with Glassweek to make a superconference.
In next weeks post, I’ll give the high and lows (if there are any lows) from the BEC floor.

Elsewhere…

- Our Architect got voted off Survivor last week. Amazing! An un-likable Architect- who woulda thunk it? Her tribe kept calling her bossy… too bad. Anyway, I would hate to be in her path now that she’s back in the states, the post-Survivor bitterness can not be good for anyone.
- Last week’s post gave off some great back and forth in the comments section. If you did not see them, it’s worth it. Arlene Stewart jumped in on the LEED conversation and brought up some interesting angles. Just click on “Comments” at the bottom of that post.
- BEC is not the only meeting that is going on next week. The NFRC has one of their membership meetings as well- this time in Austin, Texas. Congrats to the NFRC for finally having meetings in cities that are actually accessible and not 2nd mortgage expensive. I guess I need to now watch what I say as in the latest NFRC Update, hot off the presses today, in the message from the Chair, Marcia Falke takes issue with the NFRC’s treatment in the press. She defends what they do, and of course throws out the classic threat that their legal team will take care of any “legal” issues that came up. Oh well. I would fully expect that as they have a high powered PR firm, Potomac Communications that has had their way with the press in the past. But lately some of the tone has changed, and plus the internet and blogs have allowed more free communication- which means no immediate spin from Potomac. But really at the end of the day does it matter? The NFRC is above all, the DOE has better priorities than control them, so really they’re worried about how I or the press covers them? That’s priceless. Wouldn’t it be better if they worried about their programs that have extra layers of oversight and cost in them will affect the public?

- Did you see on DWM's website the bad news from the residential side. Obviously that is not good. It seemed to be a matter of time before the bubble burst, and it seemingly is here. Hopefully the stats are wrong and the rebound will be quick. The report (seen on DWMmag.com/news) does give positive news on the commercial side however. But still, residential slowing, even if you are not on the residential side of the ball is not good at all.

- Tuesday's horrible day on Wall Street was blamed on the Chinese and their market sell off. While I have hammered about the Chinese influence in our industry, yesterday shows what affect they do have on the world economy.... and that my friends is scary. Today it looks like the markets are rebounding plus many have taken air out of the China theory saying that Wall Street had a computer glitch that affected trades- thus the downturn- but still worst day since 2001 and the fingers pointing towards China is worrisome all around.


This week’s video choice… the video is titled “dumb cheerleaders” but that is totally wrong… it really should be “lack of coordination by cheerleaders, band members and others” Its good stuff and I know I am not the only one who would be a mess out there!

The Answer is...

Each week USGNN is asking some pretty good questions… and I figured its time to at least give my take…

This week’s question: What do you feel is the glass industry’s environmental responsibility?

My answer: In reality the glass industry, at least from the Fabricator and Glazier is as responsible as they can be to support the environment with the programs that are in play. That said, the programs, headed by the all famous LEED are weak when it comes to involving and incorporating the Glass and Metal side of the business. Until LEED or any of the other myriad of “green” programs can step up and give proper value to our side of the industry, it really does not matter what we do.
That said, we do work with a highly recyclable product and as an industry I think we embrace the ability to do right by our environment. We would get so much more mileage if the “green” folks would notice us over here in the corner… that is if they tear themselves away from the waterless urinals, wheatboard and bike racks that all get more credit than glass and aluminum.

- And on a related matter, how does Power Coating of aluminum, which releases no VOC’s into the atmosphere get no advantage over traditional paint finishes? There’s more to this story, but I’ll throw that out and see what happens…

- I could not imagine working for USGlass fulltime. In the last several weeks they had to cover Glassweek, the Builders Show, AAMA, IGMA, and the Auto Glass Show with BEC and NFRC looming up ahead. Unreal. And I probably missed one or two- like I am sure USGlass sent reporters to the NBA All Star Game in Vegas too.

And with basketball on the mind- Here is this week’s video- a dunk where the guy does a 720… which is simply amazing, I can’t turn around that much on the ground, let alone in the air:




- Survivor Update- Our Architect Sylvia is still alive. Though her tribe hates her. They called her stubborn and arrogant. Plus they said she’s bossy and she pushes people around. Andthey were mad because she had Spectrum Glass in her specs and they went out business years ago…. Well they said everything but the last part… anyway, she is alive… barely… for another week.

- Lastly this week… are you into baseball… do you play fantasy baseball or have you ever wanted to play and never found a league. Well through our friends on the Auto Glass side of the world, we have started a league. What’s it cost? Nothing- Its for fun and for bragging rights (and updated standings on the blog for thousands to see each week!)
I know I can count on Jim Fairley for sure to join us, but everyone else is welcome- we have plenty of room in our lst league and if that fills up we’ll start a second. If you want more info- e-mail me at MAXBCAT@aol.com. I will tell you this, being in a fantasy baseball league makes you enjoy baseball so much more.

An Architect on Survivor?

Not sure how many people watch the TV show Survivor anymore, but in this season's new cast, there is an actual, real live, breathing, Architect as one of the contestants. Amazingly in the first episode, the Architect had a huge role, because the "Survivors" had to build a camp from blue prints- so her expertise came in handy.
It will be interesting to see how long she survives on the show, and I will track that here. She made it through week 1 already. I just can't wait til they do a confessional with one of the Survivors and they say:

"You know that Sylvia (Architects name) she's great but she only will talk to you when she needs you.. otherwise she never answers my calls..."

Now THAT would be reality TV.

Other items for the week:

- Did you see Kim Mann's tremendous article in the January edition of USGlass? It is a fantastic piece about the NFRC and their "mandate" or lack thereof. If you don't get USGlass (and SHAME on you if you don't) e-mail me and I will get you a copy. But bottom line is Kim does a strong job of laying out some of the serious issues that dog the NFRC.

- Speaking of the NFRC, not sure if you caught the blurb on E-Glass Weekly this week that talked about the CMA process. That is the process that I have been moaning and groaning about. Anyway, below is a great passage and let's see if you catch why I get so mad:

Marcia Falke, president of Keystone Certification Inc. in Etters, Pa., and board chair for NFRC, says the board scrutinized the role of a manufacturer ACE during its meeting and “decided if there was adequate independent review—100 percent review—it would meet requirements.”

According to the current CMA, all product calculations done by a non-independent manufacturer have to be approved by an IA. NFRC has four IAs, including the American Architectural Manufacturers Association and the Window & Door Manufacturers Association, both of Schaumburg, Ill., Keystone Certification, and the National Accreditation & Management Institute Inc. of Newport News, Va.

Note who one of the four IA's are: KEYSTONE. Note who the head of the NFRC is: The president of KEYSTONE. Do I need to say more?

And as bad as that looks I actually believe Marcia Falke to be more fair than the test labs that dominate and really profit from the process.

- Reaction from the IBS show... the last 2 days really did well, wiping out any fears of Day 1's slowness. Also I heard from several people who commented on my "Chicken and the Egg" theory on building a new home. There is no question that new home starts are severely affected by the amount of older home inventory and the slow pace to which they are moving. I am glad I am not the only one who feels that way.

- And finally... on the Tuesday edition of USGNN, a piece from the AAMA meetings titled: Global Competition a Hot Topic. If you did not read the first half of that piece you need to. More info on the growing Chinese influence and some good food for thought.

- As for your video enjoyment- I usually try and keep the pieces between 2 and 2:30 in length, afterall you are busy and I appreciate that you take 5 minutes out of your week to read this. However this piece is about 3:40 in length but worth it! It is a story from CNN on a very rude Eye Doctor in Canada. It is simply amazing to watch.

Day 2 at IBS

More from the International Builders Show after 2 days...

- No doubt it was busier today than yesterday. While still not packed to its usual capacities, the halls were better attended for sure.

- Funny side was there was an entire magazine available at the show dedicated to showing you how you can sell some one on buying a brand new custom built home. Gave lots of tips and strategies, except one... HOW in the heck are you supposed to sell the home you are in now? It's comical... Here the push is on new homes and yet isn't a major problem the inability to sell your current home? I think I'm in the majority when I say I'd move in a heartbeat, if I knew I could sell my home (which at this point in the economy in Michigan- it's not happening.)

- With 100,000 people expected at this show, a very intricate network of shuttle buses was created to move people around. Needless to say, I was stuck on the worst shuttle bus in history- as my driver came to my hotel via Tampa.

- Also wanted to clarify that there is much much more here than just windows and building products. Literally anything that has to do with building a house is represented. Some examples:

8 exhibitors showing Home Alarms (Only 8, with millions of houses, I would've expected more)
16 exhibitors showing Barbecue Equipment (including one from China. Now if you have to buy your BBQ from China, that's going overboard isn't it?)
112 exhibitors showing Bathroom Accessories (Bathrooms are just more important than anything else in my opinion)
4 exhibitors showing Ice Makers (Wow imagine the Blogs about that on US ICE.com)
26 exhibitors showing Mailboxes (No wonder I can't upsell glass to a builder, he's too busy deciding between 26 different mailbox suppliers!)
16 exhibitors showing "Shower Heads" (I never knew there'd be so much variety in the shower head racquet)

Anyway point is that this is a very diverse show and while windows and building products are the dominating force, there is a whole other side of it.

- Speaking of shower heads and that technology, when I win the lottery my first purchase will be one of the showers that was on display here- with showerheads virtually everywhere inside the shower stall. I mean you don't have to move, water gets you from every possible direction. That has to be one relaxing shower.

Finishing this post off with a video- as was noted in the comments from yesterday's post- Scott Surma of Decotherm brought up the famous "Cedric the Entertainer" Super Bowl Commercial. Here it is:

Live from the Builders Show

As promised... Thoughts after day 1 of the International Builders Show.

- All of the major players are here booth wise but one thing was missing. People. Day 1 was slower than I can ever remember. Not sure if maybe people were caught in different areas than me, or worn out after long opening ceremonies, but the floor was not as packed as years past.

- Not a lot of China. The dishware variety and the country. I liked that.

- The economic vibe from the show floor was of a positive one, slow traffic not withstanding. Most folks I chatted with felt confident that the residential side of the business will be strong again soon, with some even stating that it never got weak for them.

- Guardian made a major statement boothwise, a very strong showing. The relevance is that for most folks who attend the industry functions like GlassBuild America or even the AIA show, do not see Guardian there. So seeing their presence here was a pleasant surprise.

- There's not once piece of real estate inside the convention hall that does not have a poster or advertisement on it. Even the steps have ads on the carpet. Plus the bottled water was even sponsored. This is a marketing persons dream and nightmare all at the same time.

- Another nice booth was Fleetwood Windows. They had a small crowd ogling their huge bent sliding glass doors.

- On the Deco side, the gang from Stained Glass Overlay had good variety at their location and a cool theme, with all of their folks dressed like lab techs or professors. It was eye catching.

Other than that day 1 was uneventful.

Other items for the week:

Once again China continues to be a hot subject. There's no doubt that e-mails I get for this blog are China related 3 to 1.

Frequent blog commenter, Jim Fairley sent me a great link to a BBC story about the United States taking on China and their subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO).

The entire piece is here
www.news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6326213.stm

But some great paragraphs from it are:

China uses tax legislation to "encourage exports and discriminate against imports

Called for a "level playing field"

"China's subsidies can particularly distort trade conditions for small and medium-sized American enterprises and their workers."

By requesting a consultation with the WTO, the US is starting the first phase of a legal complaint.



Ah maybe some progress huh? Only time will tell but maybe, just maybe we are headed in the right direction.

Ok to finish, lets go lighter... The Super Bowl is done as is the Super Bowl commercials which I found weak this year. So I went and found a classic Super Bowl commercial from the past to share and enjoy:



Possibly another update from Orlando later in the week.

Next Update

This week's update will come from the floor of the International Builders Show in Orlando... Well not from the floor exactly but from an overpriced Disney hotel room nearby. (And yes is there anything more painful than being in Orlando, at a Disney resort, on business? Yes I am a Disney geek, so for me, this is torture.)

Anyway, should be an interesting time.

2 quick leftovers from last week:

1- Thank you Jim Fairley for the comment and insight- (You can view by clicking on "comments" at the end of my last post) I also received a few e-mails that also brought the same angle. I guess I need to start thinking Globally and not just in North American terms.

2- I have to pound my chest... Super Bowl XLI finished Indy 29 Chicago 17, yours truly predicted Indy 30 Chicago 16. Not bad for a guy that goes by the betting nickname "Mush" Did I bet the game however... of course not... I'm just not that smart.

Next post hopefully Weds Night or Thursday AM to meet my USGNN deadline.

The Super Blog?

Its Super Bowl week, so in honor, I can jump on board and make my Blog the official Glass Industry Super Bowl Blog. Yep I'm reaching aren't I?

Anyway on to what's happening out there...

- It was a big news week, and one of the biggest items was the announcement that Eric Rapp is joining AFG. Or is AGC NA (more on that below). Anyway, move wise this is a coup for AFG/AGC NA as Eric Rapp is one of most talented people in our
Industry. I've only had the honor of talking with him on a couple of occasions, but I've always come away better. Good man with a humungous job ahead of him. Best of Luck Eric.

- Speaking of AFG, I missed that they announced in December that they are changing their name to AGC NA. AGC stands for Asahi Glass Company, which is the ownership group behind what was AFG. Funny thinking back to the mid 90's, I produced a customer news letter for our company and I noted that we used LOF Low E and not Asahi Low E. Well my brother got a phone call from Jim Bradford, who was the head of AFG at the time, kindly asking us to stop. Well 10+ years later and the term Asahi Low E is here. This move is more baffling then Kawneer's logo change. At least Kawneer still is known as Kawneer. Now all of the ads and marketing that was done as AFG is worthless and confusing. Plus how many people will start confusing AGC and ACH (Formerly Visteon)? It’s another end of an era, as when I started you had Guardian, PPG, LOF, Ford and AFG... and now only the first two listed are still known by those names. But no harm, as anyone who reads specs these days know, AFG can join Spectrum, Hordis, Polar Pane, Cesar and the many other companies that either don't exist or were consolidated into others but still are listed.

- I wonder how many people caught the note on USGNN about the Montreal library that had glass falling from it. The story is amazing from the fact that instead of fixing the problem, the library is just going to build some awnings around it to catch the falling glass! Their reason:

Replacing the thousands of glass strips -- each about half the size of a small bedroom door -- with other tempered glass panels would cost "two or three years of work and several million dollars," she said.

But she said that would not reduce the risk of breakage.

What am I missing here? This simply makes no sense. The article goes on to say that 30% of the glass is at risk because "it does not meet the National Standard for tempered glass" So instead of getting the root core of this problem and figuring out what is wrong all the way around, we'll just put up an awning to protect us from broken glass? How come I never have bad jobs go this way for me? Seriously though, if someone can explain to me the reasons behind this, please do. The entire article is here if you want to read and scratch your head along with me:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20070125.MONTREAL25/TPStory/National

- OK enough of the heavy stuff- let's talk football...

Before I get to my Super Bowl, pick, as a Steeler fan, there's only a few more days until either the Colts or the Bears take the stage as the latest and greatest Super Bowl champs- so in honor of the 2006 Steelers, this week's video pick is a tribute to that team. (Made before they beat Seattle in SuperBowl XL, but great music, so that's why I like it) So bottom line- if you like the Steelers click the video- if not, I'll find good comedy for next week.




As for the game... my pick... take Manning and the Colts... this is their year... Plus Tony Dungy will school his protégé Lovie Smith making all the right calls to figure out the vaunted Bears D in the 2nd half. Final score 30-16 Indy.

Glassweek 2007 Wrap

Well the 2007 edition of Glassweek is over... and some random thoughts from it.

And not to be confused, I am writing this from the perspective of Max the blogger/fabricator/marketing foof and not as the GANA BEC Chair or Board Member.

* I am amazed at the technical talent that gathers to work on behalf of our industry. I know I have said it before both here and in my column in USGlass, but as an industry we are very lucky to have "volunteers" like this who work extra-time to help develop our industry.

* The brand new Decorative Glass division has insane potential. That division has some fresh faced folks ready to go to work to bring some semblance of standards and structures to that growing segment of our industry. Congrats to Kris Vockler and all involved for a great start.

* As you may have seen on USGNN the IG committee had some interesting debates, that will be continued in the Fall, making that segment of the GANA fall conference a must-attend. Note that the GANA Fall conference is held at virtually the same time as GlassBuild America in Atlanta, so you can really get the best of all worlds.

* If you are a glazier and you don't have the GANA Glazing Manual or some of the other incredible GANA reference materials, you are doing yourself a disservice.

OK elsewhere in the world...

* Got great feedback on my take on the logo change by Kawneer. As one person put it, at least the Kawneer salesfolks will get all new wardrobes.

* I was taken to task for making fun of the glut of Self Cleaning Glass in one e-mail. But I'm sorry, when there's more options for Self Cleaning (including aftermarket) than there are for Low E, that’s pretty nuts.

* Many takes on "24" in the workplace, not to mention comments about this past Monday nights incredible episode featuring Jack's brother. Here's a few of the Jack-isms that were submitted:

--- "Chloe, upload the edgecut dimensions to my PDA"

--- "We don't have enough TIME to get you that IG unit, our country is at risk"

--- "Dammit!" (Can work no matter what and had this by itself from a few folks)

--- "You're gonna tell me where I landed on that quote, or I'll make you tell me"

--- "Listen to me Bill, we have to do whatever it takes to get this order done."

There were a few more but of the same gist as the above. And again if you don't watch 24, this means nothing.

As for the video take- it comes from Saturday Night Live (yes, amazingly, something funny from a new SNL) and it’s about the controversy surrounding Atlanta Falcon QB Michael Vick. As you may or may not have heard, Mr. Vick got held up at the Miami airport because he did not want to surrender his bottled water before security. Well after he did, the bottle was found to be a 2 piece bottle with a fake bottom. And in the fake bottom a foreign substance. SNL takes a comical look:




And yes, the police are clearing Vick and saying there was no illegal substance but something is still fishy and regardless the piece funny.

That's all- and don't forget visit the USGlass Message Boards and feel free to get over any cyber-shyness that affects you!

At Glassweek in Sarasota

Live from Glassweek in Sarasota...

GANA Glassweek is a yearly gathering of glass product and equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and fabricators. Years ago it was THE gathering but consolidation in the glass industry thinned the ranks and really business operates a bit different now. Even with that, you still have all of the high powered execs from the above mentioned groups. (And no I am not counting myself amongst the "high powered")

We had a few speakers today and one that was scheduled who had to cancel. The speaker who canceled was talking about one of my favorite subjects- China. I do not know why he canceled, but I won't be surprised if I hear he's now in the cell that Jack Bauer vacated last week. (If you watch 24 you'll get that- if you don't sorry but don't worry it probably wasn't that clever anyway).

Anyway the big item I wanted to bring up actually came to me earlier this week and then was mentioned by one of the speakers today. I got a call that Kawneer was changing its beloved legendary blue logo. The person told me that "I need to write about it on my blog" and I told him there's no doubt I would.

If you missed it, USGNN had the news on this on Wednesday. I was shocked. I mean why would you change one of the most recognizable pieces of your business? It made me think back to my first day at Arch... as the "Marketing" Manager...When a very wise man said to me...

"Marketing.... Who the hell needs Marketing"

He was right because sometimes people "market" just to justify their existence. Changing a logo cries that out. But that's not my company and business, and they can do what they want, but there will NEVER be a glazier that will say to his buddy:

"Ya know Frank, this material is just so much easier to use since they went with that warm, red, stylized K for their logo- thank goodness they switched"

End of the day it’s their decision and they are smarter than me, I'm just a pop-tart stealing, communist Chinese fighting, NFRC is a nightmare type of guy. So what do I know....

And as for other marketing... I present this video- if this was actually a real product it could probably sell!



I swear if my brother and I got into crime that would be us.

More later in the week!

Another Week in the Life

Another week in the glass and glazing industry….

* The biggest story to me was that US Aluminum now has new owners. That story broke late last week. Will it have any effect? Maybe, maybe not. The Aluminum side has been pretty mellow in comparison to all of the consolidation on the Glass side of the ball. Where could the big change happen? Well, maybe US Aluminum will answer the bell and get involved on the NFRC and code level for one. They have been relatively non existent in that process over the last few years while basically all but one of the other major aluminum manufacturers have been involved.

* And speaking of NFRC, I can’t let this latest tidbit go by. Rumblings from behind the scenes have the Board of the NFRC starting their little games again. I won’t go into huge detail, because quite frankly this whole NFRC thing is an acquired taste, but the bottom line is that the Board is working to remove manufacturers from the testing process- which means MORE MONEY FOR THE TEST LABS…. And more money for companies like ATI, a gigantic test lab that pretty much gets whatever they want from the NFRC and their membership. (All for a $400 investment in membership, what a deal!) Anyway the whole thing is sickening. In short, the manufacturers had agreed to EXTRA oversight if they could do a portion of the testing themselves, and that was not good enough. The worst part is, there is simply no one to whom we can complain to. NFRC has DOE snowed, and basically the NFRC reports to no one. It is simply comical. You’ll remember this passage in a year or two when you have to pay through the nose for calculations to meet codes…..

And yes I know I said I would quit, but I also told my wife I’d stop sneaking Pop-Tarts down to my office, too... some things are too tough to give up.

Before I go on.. this week’s video… another movie trailer… for the funny Will Ferrell… it's no Rocky, but looks like it has potential.




Other stuff to ponder….

* I also saw in USGNN that there’s another “self cleaning” glass out on the market. Thank god, I was worried that we would not be able to make due with all of the hundreds of options already available. (And this is not to say that all of those options are bad, but man, that pool is already pretty packed and with some really good options too)

Sorry I am in a sarcastic mood today, but NFRC news does that to me.

Some new features here will be a weekly look at Low E glass and a monthly “Book to Read” when you have time.

The Low E features will begin within the next few weeks and you will also be able to note them on Paul Bieber’s blog as well. Paul started a thread on the USGlass Message boards about changing the name of Low E and I found that pretty interesting. Bottom line is our goal to push more Low E usage (no matter who makes it- Low E of any flavor). So look for those tidbits soon.

The Book feature- The first entry is “Bringing Down the House” by Ben Mezrich. This book is about the MIT students (true story) who figured out how to “beat” the house in Vegas at Black Jack. It is riveting and I am just stunned no one has made a movie out of it yet. Mezrich also has a pseudo sequel out for it called “Busting Vegas” so if you read the first one, go get the second one- similar story but different enough to be worth it. Bottom line- If you are intrigued by Vegas and like some adventure, these books are worth it.

All right that’s it for this week- I’d be remiss if I did not mention that the best show on TV started this past week. 24 is back and it's in fine form. Gonna be a fun few months on the Jack Bauer roller coaster. But can you imagine Jack running a glass plant? Now that I would pay to see with lines like “Dammit, we have to get that truck loaded by 5AM or else!” If you are a 24 fan and you have some other Jack Bauer lines, feel free to send ‘em to me and I’ll list them here…

The Reaction to the Top 10

First off thanks for making last week's Top 10 post my most read posting ever. That was really cool and a great way to start 2007. However, that list did spur controversy. What controversy you ask? Well evidently I missed a handful of items that people felt should've been on the list. So here they are...

(And yes, these would be better on the message board or as "comments" but we are still working on the cyber-shyness of our industry. Hey no matter how you communicate, don't stress it, keep it coming!)

Missing items:

1. Decorative Glass- I got hammered on this by several people, actually. Basically, the tone was "How could you miss this?" Well, honestly, I did consider it, and it could've been on the list for one big reason. 2007 will be the first full year of "legitimate" Decorative Glass. What does that mean? Well GANA now has a decorative glass division and that move alone will help take deco from the back room to the front page.

2. Labor needs- I think it's legit, but to me its not getting the drumbeat that it was getting a few years ago.

3. Scratched Glass/Scraper usage- A window cleaner friend of mine wrote me on this and there's been PLENTY of debate here. I think I'm going to save my thoughts for a future entry.

4. Phone Scam- Yep, I missed it- I mean that Phone Scam that is hitting glass shops everywhere is simply nuts. I feel horrible for everyone who has been caught in that nightmare. As if you don't have enough to worry about everyday in business- now you have these shenanigans.

5. USGlass Blogs and Message Boards- Geez, wonder where that came from. But you know USGlass was the one that made USGNN a must read each and every day- and slowly but surely the message boards and blogs will be "must reads" too.

Other than that, I had plenty of comments on the China angle. Some amazing horror stories were passed on to me, including one company that went to China for material because it was cheaper- and the Chinese company eventually went around that company and sold the customer direct. Sickening stuff.

Outside the top 10 stuff...

The warm weather- what effect will the mild winter, so far, have on the normal cycle of glazing in the East and Midwest? Normally January and February are the worst months, but will that change now?

The Snow- The flip side is poor Denver that has gotten enough snow for the entire country. Now I'd assume that is a region that will have a bumpy start to 2007.

As for the video of the week... when I was taking my whacks about missing items from the top 10, I ran into this pretty cool video...



Note- some people have noted that the videos have not worked for them. I am working on that and apologize.

Have a good one... and let me know if anyone sees the Ohio State football team... They are due in Arizona for a game Monday the 8th.

Update Coming Soon

Update coming tonight...

But just curious, does anyone know when the BCS Championship game is? I am still waiting for Ohio State to show up....

Ouch.

Now that was an ugly game.

Anyway, glass related thoughts and a pretty cool video to come later.

The Top 10 for 2007

You know its a very slow news time right now... In fact as I was told yesterday, its not a slow news day... Its a dead one. So what do you do when things are slow... look ahead with one of those classic "forecasts" for the upcoming year.

So without further delay, the Top 10 Glass Industry Discussion issues for 2007.

10. Dynamic Glazing- Huh, what is it? It's the ability to have glass go one extra step in working to reduce the energy costs. It is expensive, but a better and easier option than Sunscreens or other shading mechanisms. The leader in the field is Sage and its something you'll hear more and more about as time goes on.

9. Price- Would it be a year if people didn't discuss pricing- increases and decreases- no matter all of the great things to talk on- this will always be an issue.

8. Surcharge- See #8. Its funny, people who want to make an issue out of the surcharge suffer from the same problem I do when I talk NFRC- no one seemingly cares.

7. NFRC- It may only be my issue... but its my Top 10 list dammit. Ah someday you'll see...

6. Health Care- Now this is a MAJOR issue for our industry and many others. The costs and difficulties surrounding the health care angle are staggering and downright scary.

5. Shortages- Will there be shortages in Glass or Aluminum this year? Some grumblings are out there, but I am on the side of supply may be tight but not out.

4. BEC- Yes shameless plug- but the next time you can get 600 of the industries most powerful people in a room, let me know. BEC will and for that will be a top issue in 2006- remember, its the who's who of the glass and glazing industry.

3. Green- Green Building was listed as one of the Top Trends for 2007 by one major newspaper. So expect the calls to ramp up asking about recycling and usages. Maybe though someday the USGBC will realize that glass and aluminum can play a bigger role in Green glazing- but until then we'll be relegated to the position after "do you have a bike rack" (Seriously)

2. Low E- Yes my fellow blog mate, the Professor, Paul Bieber will surely say this is #1 and I think its pretty darn important. Using Low E everytime, everywhere should be a major goal for this country. No building or dwelling should be without it. Way too many benefits here that last for a lot longer than people realize. (and yes as a tease, much more on Low E coming soon to a Blog near you)

and the #1 top issue in our industry for 2007:

Drumroll............

CHINA. Look out folks, the China freight train is coming. In fact I know of one fabricator who loves to bang his chest for how great he is, suffering because he's done a couple of jobs with China that have gone very bad. Believe me, this is not an NFRC like issue where there's sides- every North American Manufacturer, Fabricator and Glazier should be on the same page here. I can go on and on- and probably will as the weeks go on- but for now- consider this the top "issue" for 2007.

Ok and so since I did a Top 10, the video for today is a classic David Letterman top 10- with help from Dr. Phil... Enjoy.

Belated Hunnukah Wishes

A couple of weeks ago I posted a Christmas video and commented that I couldn't find a Hunnukah video. Well this morning I was alerted to the one below.. featuring actual NBA players... and in my opinion, its pretty funny.

So a belated happy Hunnukah (Mom) and hope everyone had a safe and happy New Years.

Happy New Year from Las Vegas

Happy New Year...

Hope everyone is well... I am here in Las Vegas also known in some circles as "Lost Wages"

This place is amazing from a construction standpoint- the new City Center project is going up as well as several time share and condo High rises.

While on the surface that seems great, the worry I have is the amount of inventory that will soon be available here. You can not literally walk 10 feet down the strip without someone approaching you about a time share deal. Its insane and somewhat scary, as these folks are aggressive.

Believe me its not like the folks who hand out the little cards featuring the local ladies... You can just walk right by them. The time share folks stalk you- which tells me there's some urgency there.

Regardless from a construction standpoint its obviously all good right now- so that should be the focus.

Elsewhere in our world:

How about Denver getting another massive storm? The glaziers and fabricators out there have to be pulling their hair out dealing with Mother Nature's fury. Jobs have to be getting more and more delayed with every snow flake- making for a very interesting start to 2007.

Have you visited the US Glass Message Boards yet? Shame on you if you have not. Some great stuff up there and lots of food for thought. The China debate added a few people including Jay Vaughn and Jim Fairly. Both gentlemen had great takes on this extremely serious issue.

While in Vegas I can not help but remind you that the GANA BEC show is coming quick around the corner. March 4-6 at the Aladdin (soon to be Planet Hollywood Hotel). I scouted that hotel yesterday and I am confident everyone will find it to their liking. Plus the conference itself is a rock solid winner. Registration will cut off at 600, so get in now... its worth it. (for more detail on GANA BEC, you can either go to www.glasswebsite.com or wait til the January issue of US Glass Magazine- where I preview the event with my column)

Lastly- off topic- last night we saw Jerry Seinfeld live. The guy is an out and out genius! He could do his TV show again tomorrow and with all of the fresh material he had last night, he'd have the country laughing for another 11 years. If you see him touring in your town- grab the spouse or partner and go see him- it is truly worth it.

And while there's tons of Jerry I can post here, most are 7 minutes long or longer and I know the average blog visit for me is 2 minutes, so I had to find a quick hit Jerry stand up piece so you could get the flavor...



Happy New Year everyone- see you in 2007!

Happy Holidays Housecleaning

Happy Holidays to one and all...

No real theme to this post, just some housecleaning...

Also I am making the "Video" portion standard, hey, everyone needs a break, so why not try and provide it here!

This is a classic combo of a great Christmas song (could not find a proper Hunnukah tune- sorry Mom) and some of the "uglier" sporting events from 2006. Enjoy!



First note that the Message Boards from US Glass are now easier to use... no long registration process. Feel free to check them out at

http://pub43.bravenet.com/forum/show.php?usernum=3673102673

(And yes I will need the Glass pundit, Kris Vockler to tech me how to "hot link" so all you have to do is click on it)

The posts are slow, but I believe it will grow and give people ample opportunity to vent. Its funny, I know from the stats how many people visit my blog, and I know from e-mails and phone calls as well. Its just shyness I guess because people aren't as comfortable leaving comments... which is fine by the way. But if you do have opinions or thoughts and you want them heard- don't hesitate!

As for the industry- as you may have seen AFG announced the closing of their Cinnaminson plant. I found it interesting and actually surprising but many others did not. On those aforemention message boards, Scott Surma of IIMak, had an interesting take on it. Plus he noted the environmental angle, which always now must be considered. In any case, I hate to see anyone lose their jobs and I surely hate when it seems like the industry is moving backwards.

Also lots of coverage on the recent glass show in India. Obviously India is one of the worlds most populated areas and a country that will continue to develop its infrastructure. I got a kick out of a quote attributed to Bipin Shah, whom I though was gone from NFRC, but the story had him representing NFRC. In any case, he was in India to help promote the "Ratings Efforts" Well my friends in India, welcome to the NFRC adventure. Plus any advances you make won't be because companies like Guardian and Pilkington are developing new products- no it will be because Jim Benney and NFRC made it happen... just like they did here in the states on the residential end. (If you don't know what I am talking about, scroll down)

Lastly a subject I promise to cover in depth more in 2007 is China. Especially now that there are at least 2 jobs that have come to the US already assembled... Glass and Aluminum.... meaning no need for a true glazier. Believe me, if you are a glazier and you do not take China seriously... you'll regret it.

(Edit 12/21- Did you see yesterday's USGNN? -
"China Glass said the acquisitions will help it explore more overseas marketplaces."
It was in the first story and is NOT good news)

Other than that Rocky opened today and at least the reviews I read were great- hopefully I'll see it in the theater as watching on DVD at home just does not have the same flavor.

And as always feel free to comment or e-mail me at MAXBCAT@aol.com

Happy Holidays!

You think you're frustrated?

Its getting down the stretch of 2006 and I think everyone is at wits end. Yes the holiday's are coming but most people are so busy right now, they are in a real scramble mode. Not only that everyone wants their project done before the holidays so the pressure is intense.

So with that in mind, take 2 minutes and watch how these various NFL coaches react... can you imagine if the glass industry had press conferences? Man that would be hillarious.



And yes I am using video because my blog is not even close to being a visually beautiful as the Glass Pundit or the "Professor" Paul's site. (Both can be reached via the US Glass Message boards)

Message Boards

By any chance if you are a visitor of this blog and you missed that US Glass has started message boards, here's the low down.

Go to: http://usglassmag.com/phpBB2/

Its in its infancy but it is something to check out. The board is being moderated by Paul Bieber and his takes and info are pretty cool.

In any case that board start up and US Glass showing a commitment, is what now has me updating this site more often. I always enjoyed the therapy of it and the give and take, but often forgot- not anymore.

Also if you are new and shy... Join the many others who choose to e-mail me direct their thoughts, comments, slams, etc. Some people are not comfortable posting comments and having everyone take a shot at it and I understand that.

You can reach me at maxbcat@aol.com

The Dawn of a new Blog day

Yep, its basically here, this Blog along with 3 others are now linked via US Glass Magazine. Obviously I am pretty pumped about it. Also as noted in one of the comments below, I had to try and "improve" my looks here because the other Blogs look a lot better than mine!

Well aside from adding a video here and there, I don't have the time to really re-model, but eventually I will.

In the meantime, I do have to take to task something I read in DWM (Door and Window Manufacturer). That magazine is run by Tara Taferra, who is the one to blame for me getting my gig at US Glass. As I was then, I am now a HUGE fan of her magazine and work. So if you don't get DWM, go sign up for it- its worth it.

Anyway, in the latest issue, none other than Jim Benney from NFRC appears (Note- yes in the pages of US Glass I swore off discussing this subject anymore, but I am making a "blog" exception because this is so amazing)

Jim makes the following statement:

"Without pointing fingers, we certainly can see the statistical results of industries failure to support a single, credible, third party rating system. The same year that the residential fenestration industry showed a 58 percent low E penetration in new windows, commercial glazing only had a 30 percent market penetration! The commercial fenestration market needs transformation. If it had been as successful as the residential market; it could be saving building owners at least 5.8 million BTUs every year."

Wow. So there you have it ladies and gentlemen. NFRC is the reason that Low E has taken off residentially and yes if you welcome us with open arms, we'll also change the world of you pathetic low e hating commercial folks! The problem is his numbers are way off and its like I wrote in a previous edition of US Glass- there is NO FEAR at all of using Low E- and in fact its getting more and more acceptance daily. I guarantee you if someone credible did a poll (not the NFRC or the DOE who basically mimic everything NFRC says) you would see tremendous growth on the Low E and Solar improvement products. And that number, when properly broken out, and not lopped in with mirrors, table tops and mono doorlites would easily be close to the 58 percent penetration mark that Jim boasts about.

See that's the thing- NFRC ignores everyone and on this one, they are ignoring the architectural community. Anyone paying attention basically knows that every architect wants to either design for "Green" or for "Energy" and that means using the right products. However Jim and his PR agency and his Lobbyist firm, would love you to believe that no, the clueless architect needs to have his hand FORCED into using that evil LOW E!! (You know because without "pointing fingers" the commercial guys suck)

It amazes me. The NFRC and Jim Benney truly believe they are the reason why Low E has taken off. Oh well- like I have said before, it doesn't matter. I don't have Clark & Weinstock to lobby for me and I don't have Potomac Communications to "PR" for me and I surely don't have the DOE in my back pocket- so I am really (and the commercial industry as well is) at major disadvantage. Anyway, maybe Jim and NFRC can work on health care or workmans comp while there at it...you know because we're failures and all...

Video Test

After seeing some of the other USGNN blogs, I have my work cut out for me... so I am working on being able to post video...

So bear with me...

Testing with a video from the upcoming Rocky Balboa movie.... which me being a HUGE Rocky fan gets me pretty pumped...

Coming Soon!

You may have noticed in yesterday's USGNN that Blogs will be coming soon... I am thrilled to say that this very blog will be involved in that process!

Best part is now weekly, for sure, this space will get updated.

I am excited about the whole process and look forward to welcoming more folks to this forum!

I think I may have to re-model this page a bit too... so a new look could be in the offing as well.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A happy and healthy Thanksgiving to everyone out there in Blog-Land!

Great News... possibly... maybe....

Well keeping up with the Blog will become much easier now. No I did not hire a blog assistant, but coming soon, I will be updating the Blog weekly in conjunction with some other (soon to be announced) goings on.

So this should be a good thing to keep the debates going and information flowing....

Except I will surely have to spell and grammar check!

Yeesh.

Hope everyone is well...

Happy Thanksgiving too!

Two Posts in one day

Amazing as it is, but I had to post again...

Please if you don't get USGNN, go there now www.usgnn.com and read Penny Stacey's fantastic coverage of the NFRC meetings.

Read todays entry and you will see why I get so mad. See the quotes from Rich Biscoe of lab powerhouse ATI (ATI is a gigantic company worth more than many of us fabricators and glaziers... yet they pay $400 to NFRC and get in return, tons of business, and tons of grant money!)

See when you read it, and you see that every logical argument that comes up gets shot down.. you can clearly see what I am talking about.

But it will never change. The DOE doesn't want to see it and until a legal process can blow this thing up, their deals will continue.

By the way, at least according to the story, Marg Webb of IGMA went at the baord with a big issue- so I must apologize about the note in the previous post about IGMA and Keystone. It still smells funny- but I am at least glad iGMA is not sitting back.

Please go to that site- read today's story and try and tell me that ATI and Rich Biscoe are looking out for the stakeholders... and try tell me how NFRC is as well....

Yep its HAS been awhile

Sorry folks.. I have been off on the blog updates. I know I am behind when my own Mother tells me she checks my Blog from time to time and its not updated. Heck maybe I should have her write some stuff!

Anyway... my apologies.

As for goings on....

Well China is making more and more inroads to the industry here in the states. It has scary potential.... recently a Chinese company sent glass and aluminum already assembled direct to the jobsite. I have been hammering away on this for a while, and while some take heed, others ignore.

And I am not talking about the commerce side. I am talking about the fact that the goal is tooeventually cut out the fabricator and glazier. People always sit back and say "this won't happen to me" well guess what... its coming.

As for my other favorite subject- NFRC. I am still gagged. Though it doesn't matter at this point- they are moving full steam ahead and really there's nothing that can be done to stop it. I used to think that it could be contained, but thats not the case. They have too much power and too many people in their pocket. And while things are being prepared behind the scenes on this effort, for me, I am done.

Yes I have said it before, but things like the IECC allowing blatant conflict of interest to interfere in their process when it regards the NFRC, just blow me away. Note though that some very good people are still fighting this process, but unfortunately, we as an industry, and like the small to medium residential guys before us, just do not have the organization to make a difference.

By the way, did you see IGMA hired Keystone Certifications to help them with some processes. Keystone is owned by Marcia Falke, Chair of the NFRC. The NFRC is going to get into IG Certificatons... gee I wonder who they'll hire to oversee that?

Well thats it for now- I will make a better effort to keep this up and when people send me e-mails, I should be able to turn that into material here- instead of debating there.

Hope everyone is well...

Off topic - Sports Time

While there's probably tons of good things to grasp in the glass and aluminum industry- my other passion.. sports really has taken center stage.

First.. baseball.. and the Detroit Tigers.

I live outside of Detroit and even though I grew up in Pittsburgh and will always be a Pirate fan, living the last 9 years here made in to a Tiger fan and obviously today I am pretty pumped.

The Tigers miracle series win over the Yankees was simply amazing. No one, and I mean NO ONE in Detroit thought these guys had a snowballs chance in beating the might Yankees.

The celebration afterward ws proof of that- it was one of those "oh my we did it" types of releases. And it was unreal.

Now onto Oakland, where Tiger fans can only hope that the boys don't come out flat against a very good A's team.

Meanwhile, probably lost in the whole TO debate yesterday was that the Steelers.. defending SuperBowl champs are in deep trouble after losing to the Chargers.

Basically the Steelers have to go 10 and 2 the rest of the way.. and thats a tall order.. plus those 2 losses can not come against the Ravens or really anyone in the AFC....

On the bright side if any team can string together victories, its Pittsburgh... but it just seems like Bill Cowher is not into it...

Anyway that's my off topic dump- next time in we'll get back to glass and aluminum and all of the adventures that come with it...

Hope everyone is well...

Back Again

Yes, and sorry again for the delays in posting. Been very hectic around the industry right now. Everyone is seemingly very busy- which is good.

The recent GlassBuild show is now in the books- lots of people on hand- Vegas can really draw them in. Hopefully that is a good sign for our 2007 BEC conference- its one you do not want t o miss.

NFRC wise I have to be quiet. However not sure if anyone noticed that at the IEC code hearings last week, an alternative path to NFRC using AAMA 507 was voted down. No surprise except for the fact that the IEC allowed 2 committee members, who are also NFRC Board guys, to be able to vote and control the hearing.

Amazing. What's more to be said than that? Is there anyone out there at that level that is not awash in massive conflicts of interest? Anyone?

China wise, the show in Vegas really showed that the Chinese are coming strong. Shame is that many people will buy into it, bringing more Chinese influence to the states, and eventually hurting the industry. One glass shop owner told me he had no issues with the Chinese and that if they were low, then that's his supplier. Oh well, that is surely his choice- but at the end of the day this will not be good. The glass shop may not suffer like the installer, but it still will be troublesome.

Hopefully now that things are mellowing I can keep up with this better. Its funny, a comment was made about me to one of my co workers- the guy said "doesn't he have better things to do with his time?" and Yes its true- I do, but I enjoy the communication of this blog and what spurs from it.

Are you ready for some....

FOOTBALL?

Well its time. I was asked by a few people to jump on in with some football precitions, since all of my others have been so awful- must be betting the opposite.

I guess also since everything I write on here gets scrutinized to the extreme, I have to at least have a breather post!

Anyway here goes:

NFC-

By the way I have typed "NFRC" so many times my fingers are conditioned to type that instead of NFC. Comical.


NFC East- TO will implode in Dallas- no way he can stay calm with the Tuna. Philly may surprise but I am not convinced Westbrook is healthy and that is a major key. The Skins are a mess and if they don't get off fast, I have a feeling that Joe Gibbs will wanna be racin' again. The pick is the Giants- with great running in Tiki and Jacobs and another year under Eli Mannings belt.

NFC North- Terrible division overall. Minnesota will be nightmarish. Its time for Favre to hang em up in Green Bay and the Lions simply have too many holes- though their schedule is verrry easy. The pick here is Da Bears. Their awesome D easily makes up for the weaknesses of the offense.

NFC South- The opposite of the North- its tremendous. New Orleans will be better with Brees and the awesome rookie Bush. Atlanta is strong but I am not a fan of their coach and his usage of Mike Vick. Tampa can always count on their D and hopefully Caddy can take them far. The pick though is Carolina- they have balance on Offense and a tough D.

NFC West- San Fran should be in the NFC North they are so bad. The Rams could be just as bad. Arizona will be scary on offense- their passing game is lethal and add Edge to it, wow. The pick is easy though- Seattle.. just too much balance and talent.

In the AFC-

AFC East- The Jets are long way from coming back to respectability, but they may catch the Bills. The Bills though should get a better season from Willis McGahee now that knuckleheaded coach Mike Mularkey is gone. Miami will contend because of their combo of Brown and Chambers at the skillset. But the pick: New England. Their D won't be as good as in the past, but their O is awesome.

AFC North- Cleveland lives under a jinxed sign, but theyare ammasing some talent. Look out for Winslow Jr. Baltimore is a shell of its self, even with a legit QB like McNair. My Steelers aren't getting any breaks this year- (they used them all up last year) and their schedule is simply brutal. The pick: Cincy. Palmer is amazing, the WR's are great and Marv Lewis can coach a D.

AFC South- Houston will be getting better because of Kubiak. Tennessee is getting worse and worse. Jacksonville is not pretty but effective. However none of them can hang with Indy. Peyton & Co. are a machine and the D, that gets no respect, is very very good.

AFC West- Oakland will bring up the rear in a very tight race. KC will not be as good as last year. San Diego has to hope and pray that Phillip Rivers is at least decent. The pick: Denver is a toss up really- they always, somehow, find a way.

Overall the AFC is so much better than the NFC it is scary.

Playoffs:

NFC: Carolina over Seattle in a reverse of last year

AFC: Indy over Cincy

SuperBowl- Indy. Peyton gets his first SuperBowl.

Quiet on NFRC but loud on....

Sorry for the delay, I was advised that I needed to be quiet on the NFRC issue for a while and well I guess I forgot I can write about other things while that situation plays out.

Anyway, did you catch the acquisition of Antamex by Oldcastle?

Interesting as Antamex is one of North America's largest glaziers. They are a powerhouse on the install side and now Oldcastle can install right along with their customers!

I think right now since everyone is so busy, no one will care that their competitor is selling them product- but at the first downturn, lookout.

Then again Harmon and Viracon have been "out" for years and it doesn't matter. I don't know how that plays. One time, back in the good ole days of the one and only Perilstein Distributing, we had a driver named Billy Eichler. Billy one day was asked by a glazier to "help" because they had some guys off. So Billy being the guy he is, hopped right in and "helped" this customer install some glass. Well don't ya know it but one of that customers competitors happened to drive up on the job and saw our guy Billy humping units into the holes.

Well all hell broke loose.

But I guess actually installing is worse than sharing quotes and trying to steer business to sister companies?

Last note-

I wanted to give props to a former co worker- Bruce Mikels of BDM was one of the featured folks in the latest edition of US Glass as one of the nations best manufacturers reps. He simply deserves all of the kudos he can get. He is not a sit at home guy who waits for the phone to ring- he is a hustler who built a great business and I am proud to say I worked with him at one time.

I know Bruce is a reader of this blog so that makes him great too! But in any case, Bruce is proof that a manufacturers rep can impact your business in a positive manner.

Enron and Spam

Hope everyone is well...

Watched the movie "Smartest Men in the room" yesterday- very interesting look into the whole Enron mess. Well done piece and just mind blowing what those guys did. The effect they had on California's energy issues was huge. No wonder that California WANTS regulation like the NFRC because obviously when Enron had their way, everyone suffered.

One part especially was comical. The traders at Enron would just call a power plant and TELL THEM to power down... and THEY WOULD! Simply insane. Anyway it is a great rental and is also a tragic story of men ripping off so many people... Sad that it lasted so long and it was really somewhat accidental that a journalist would not drink the Enron kool aid and called them on it- that helped start the unraveling.

Good stuff.

As for spam, comically this blog is getting spammed robotically. Not that any of you care, but its amazing that there is an actual spam program that can search and work the blogs. Isn't technology great!

Why is this even happening?

I think I may have covered it before but after the USGNN piece came out I got several e-mails about why the NFRC even is doing a non res program.

Well that is a great question.

I would love to give the answer, except I do not know... and neither does the NFRC... and that is why when this thing starts to involve lawyers, it will get much uglier than my cute little blog.

Lets look back.

When the question was first asked of then NFRC Chair Marv Stover... he replied, on NFRC letterhead that the NFRC had a mandate from congress to implement this program. Except they did not. And the NFRC knew it and when they were called on it the story was changed.

That changed story happened in Chicago. I happened to ask NFRC board member Gary Curtis why this was happening. He replied "The codes" Except the codes were not and have not demanded it. In fact at that meeting Greg Carney had evidence to prove such. The evidence freaked out many NFRC loyalists- in fact former board member Ken Nittler studied his code book from cover to cover, I guess hoping to find the magic connection.

Ok so on the scoreboard its:

Need: 0 Wrong Excuses: 2

So what happens next, well the NFRC says "California needs it" and bam that is enough to get it rolling... plus with career code folks like John Hogan working the code side as well as the police side, its just a matter of time before they make Gary Curtis' assertation true.

Side note- John Hogan works for the city of seattle, yet travels literally all over the world for NFRC and other code issues. Damn. Wish the taxpayers of seattle would subsidize me. I think he even went to India on behalf of one of these groups... its insane.

Anyway, so that's why this thing is still living and breathing. But alas, more people are getting into it now. BOMA is now interested in this unnecessary program that will affect their members and I would have to think that the DOE has a renewed interest in the process given the continued chaos surrounding it.

Plus there's more articles and speeches coming- so the spotlight will be shining.

Anyway, so that's the story behind it. It may get pushed through and people may have to follow it, but eventually it will be challenged- especially if its a pork ridden, profit machine that it has the potential to be.

An interesting experience

Well I have been to a few NFRC meetings in my past but never a membership meeting. Well this week, I got to go and it was interesting to say the least.

First and foremost you are blown away by the sheer amount of acronyms.
PCP, CMA, LAP, AEP, ACE, and so on. Your head spins as you try and follow some of these things.

Then you are amazed at how far their grasp is. They are working on rating storm doors and windows... Isn't that somewhat crazy? Then again I am not in that world, but I look at my $50 storm door and I see the price going up because of future NFRC labeling. Yippee

As for the main issues, it was un eventful because in classic political style alot of discussion took place outside the room. Why? Because inside the room there's a handful of people who simply love to hear themselves talk and waste significant time doing so. Plus there's people who may look like they are on one "side" and yet they are working close with the other- so that can be public can it?

The thing that was most apparent this meeting was the labs desires to be dominant in the process thus holding their significant revenue stream. The NFRC is their bread and butter in some cases and they are in no mood to give ANY ground. The labs were in a fighting mood so much so that the meeting was stopped for 25 minutes while legal had to clarify a voting snafu. Why the delay, well the labs could not believe they ended on the wrong side of a few votes and instead of letting it fly (they've NEVER lost- so its a new experience) they noticed that their was a problem with the voting involving proxies. When the lawyer was rustled from his room, and figured out what went wrong their was only 1 vote that was affected by the snafu and the re vote ended up RE AFFIRMING the original position.

Needless to say, they would not have paid any mind to this snafu if the votes were coming out on their side.

See but the big thing is NONE OF THIS MATTERS. The board and can and will impose whatever it feels is best. Meaning days like yesterday may be good for debate but nothing more because the Board will eventually make the call. The only difference is more people are watching this board than ever before. Aside from knuckleheads like me, you know have the DOE more interested, as well as BOMA, certain congresspeople and of course the media.

The NFRC knows they must be transparent- they have too much at stake.

So what do I think will happen going forward?
Well work will be done by a task group on this process, meanwhile others will be working the other angles... and we'll all be Virginia in November.

By the way, in the near future, the NFRC will have to figure out yet another excuse for why they even are having this program as that challenge is coming. Remember Marvin Stover former Chair lied in a letter to the membership of GANA that this program was created because of a mandate from congress (Which he and the board knew they did not) then the reason was the codes (nope) and now its because of their "subsidiary" CEC needing it.

Guess what that won't wash.

Anyway it was a special experience all the way around- so much to write about and cover- so after i review some notes I may write some more. Plus doing it on here saves me from having to write it individually to everyone who asked for a report.

Minnesota

Well we are coming up on the NFRC meeting in Minnesota and I noticed no one from the 'reputation salvation" firm that the NFRC hired will be there.

I did notice that they have some parties that are attending probably to show off how great they are... and in some areas they do serve a purpose... but since they make no apparent effort to understand commercial glazing unless certain key members of NFRC can either make a profit or do it for the sake of "doing it" hope these guests are not commercial related because even they will see the trainwreck for what it is.

I can't believe Clark and Weinstock is not going to be there. Damn.

Hey but US Glass and Glass Magazine WILL be there so Potomac can not control the content of the meeting like they have done in the past... so a true accounting will come. I do not know the writer coming from US Glass but I do know the one from Glass Magazine and she is a very level headed and talented writer- so rest assured a fair and reliable account will come through!

((For those of you new to this- the best of Potomac is on display from an October 05 meeting that none other than Deb Levy, esteemed publisher of US Glass Magazine attended and wrote up a piece about. Then Potomac put ut their fiction piece... amazing... like it was 2 totally different meetings... well you can't say Potomac doesn't earn their huge $$$$$ from NFRC!))

LIVE from New York

Just finished reading a tremendous book called "Live From New York" by Tom Shales. It was about Saturday Night Live and its history... great inside stories. The book is a few years old, so it can be found in paperback.
If you were or are a fan of the show it gives you a great insight on how it was born and how it survived and grew.
The drug use from the 70's and of course the sad deaths of belushi, Farley and Phil Hartman are covered there as well. Tons of interesting stuff.

On that same note, Jay Mohr also wrote a book about his time on SNL that I read called "Gasping for Airtime" and that too was great... very in depth about the 2 years he was involved in the show.

Anyway, some light book talk on the blog today instead of my normal militant angle!

Happy Fourth of July!

Happy Independence day to all of you in the USA. Hope everyone who has the day off enjoys it.

As day like the 4th has a lot of meaning... and I think most adults have an idea of that.

Anyway, we have a lot to be thankful for in this country and in North America as a whole. Hopefully continued safety and no terror will shake our borders our effect our lives and may that extend throughout the world, as peace should be everyones priority.

Meanwhile our efforts to do the best we can continue. The NFRC meets at the end of July in what should be an interesting meeting. They'll have their expensive PR firms and reputation managers on site to spin the reason why they (meaning certain board members who control the NFRC) want to make big profits on the back of the "public" they supposedly serve. Those firms will also keep trying to work over the DOE and the various politicos to keep their funding alive so they can pass those funds on to like minded (read organizations that they all belong to) to do "training" instead of research.

You would never believe the amount of e-mail and comments I get on the money that the NFRC gave to Gary Curtis to "train" architects. Everyone from DOE to NFRC poo poo this as "oh that's no big deal.. its needed.. yadda yadda" but they do not realize that the public can see right through it- so when money is needed to come up with a program to group aluminum frames, so that the cost and time is not stupendous- that must go through a vote. But when a fellow Board member needs the money- it just gets done. Amazing.

I got an e-mail a week ago that hammered me bad about this blog.. "no one reads it, no one cares.. bloah blah" Well I can tell you while the hits dropped a bit when I was off working, they have not gone away, and in fact we've had some solid spikes. People do read and they do comment- and I know people like Potomac probably have this in their Favorite Places to see when I will mention Leonard or Kristine again. But seriously the point is, the NFRC can continue to pound forward, ignore the public it serves and try and create a self serving, expensive program because their sisters in California "asked for it" but they have no idea of the steps that will take place going forward.

As for California- that is the biggest joke in the land. Shame is that no one will take it on, but I will. Plain and simple, NFRC had no mandate or direction to do this program. Actually they STILL DON'T! But they had their puppets in California "ask" them to create and system and SHAZAM we're all busting butt to get this done.

Its a joke.

Oh well.. and see I started this post with hopes of peace....

anyway, Happy 4th...